- sharp
- sharp [shärp]adj.[ME < OE scearp, akin to Ger scharf, ON skarpr < IE * (s)kerb(h)- < base * (s)ker-, to cut > SHEAR, HARVEST, L caro, flesh]1. suitable for use in cutting or piercing; having a very thin edge or fine point; keen2. having a point or edge; not rounded or blunt; peaked [a sharp ridge, features, etc.]3. not gradual; abrupt; acute [a sharp turn]4. clearly defined; distinct; clear [a sharp contrast]5. made up of hard, angular particles, as sand6. quick, acute, or penetrating in perception or intellect; specif.,a) acutely sensitive in seeing, hearing, etc.b) clever; shrewd7. showing or having a keen awareness; attentive; vigilant [a sharp lookout]8. crafty; designing; underhanded9. harsh, biting, or severe [a sharp temper, criticism, etc.]10. violent or impetuous; sudden and forceful [a sharp attack]11. brisk; active; vigorous [a sharp run]12. having a keen effect on the senses or feelings; specif.,a) severe; intense; acute; keen [a sharp pain, grief, appetite, etc.]b) strong; biting; pungent, as in taste or smellc) high-pitched; shrill [a sharp sound]d) brilliant; intense [a sharp flash of light]e) cold and cutting [a sharp wind]13. Slang attractively or stylishly dressed or groomed14. Musica) higher in pitch by a half step [C sharp (C♯)]b) out of tune by being above the true or proper pitchadv.1. in a sharp manner; specif.,a) abruptly or brisklyb) attentively or alertlyc) so as to have a sharp point or edged) keenly; piercinglye) Music above the true or proper pitch2. precisely; exactly [one o'clock sharp]n.1. a sewing needle with an extremely fine point2. Informal an expert or adept3. Informal SHARK1, SHARPER4. Musica) a note or tone one half step above anotherb) the sign (♯) indicating such a notevt.Music to make sharp; raise a half stepvi.Music to sing or play above the true or proper pitchsharplyadv.sharpnessn.SYN.- SHARP and KEEN1 both apply to that which is cutting, biting, incisive, or piercing, as because of a fine edge, but SHARP more often implies a harsh cutting quality [a sharp pain, tongue, flavor, etc. ] and KEEN1, a pleasantly biting or stimulating quality [keen wit, delight, etc. ]; ACUTE literally implies sharp-pointedness and figuratively suggests a penetrating or poignant quality [acute hearing, distress, etc. ]
English World dictionary. V. Neufeldt. 2014.